schism

  1. Noun.  A split or separation within a group or organization, typically caused by discord.
  2. Noun.  (religion, lang en) A formal division or split within a religious body.
  3. Noun.  (context, Catholicism) a split within Christianity whereby a group no longer recognizes the Bishop of Rome as the head of the Church, but shares essentially the same beliefs with the Church of Rome. In other words, a political split without the introduction of heresy.

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This entry was last updated on RefTopia from its source on 3/20/2012.